Are you frustrated with your keyboard and mouse working perfectly in the BIOS settings but failing to respond when you boot into Windows? You’re not alone. This issue has plagued many users, leaving them scratching their heads and searching for a solution. In this article, we’ll delve into the possible reasons behind this problem and provide you with a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
Understanding the BIOS and Windows Environments
Before we dive into the troubleshooting process, it’s essential to understand the difference between the BIOS and Windows environments. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a firmware that controls the basic functions of your computer, such as booting, input/output operations, and hardware configuration. The BIOS is a self-contained environment that doesn’t rely on the operating system to function.
On the other hand, Windows is an operating system that relies on the BIOS to interact with the hardware components. When you boot into Windows, the operating system takes control of the hardware, and the BIOS is no longer in charge.
Differences in Input/Output Operations
One of the primary reasons why your keyboard and mouse work in the BIOS but not in Windows is due to the differences in input/output operations. In the BIOS, the keyboard and mouse are connected directly to the motherboard, and the BIOS firmware handles the input/output operations. However, in Windows, the operating system uses device drivers to communicate with the hardware components.
If the device drivers for your keyboard and mouse are not installed or are corrupted, Windows may not be able to recognize the devices, resulting in them not working.
Troubleshooting Steps
Now that we’ve understood the differences between the BIOS and Windows environments, let’s move on to the troubleshooting steps.
Step 1: Check the Device Drivers
The first step is to check if the device drivers for your keyboard and mouse are installed and up-to-date. To do this:
- Open the Device Manager in Windows by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting Device Manager.
- In the Device Manager, expand the “Keyboards” and “Mice and other pointing devices” sections.
- Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark or a red X. This indicates a problem with the device driver.
- Right-click on the device and select “Update driver” to update the driver to the latest version.
Step 2: Disable and Re-enable the Devices
Sometimes, disabling and re-enabling the devices can resolve the issue. To do this:
- Open the Device Manager and expand the “Keyboards” and “Mice and other pointing devices” sections.
- Right-click on the device and select “Disable device”.
- Wait for a few seconds and then enable the device again.
Step 3: Check for Conflicting Devices
Conflicting devices can also cause issues with your keyboard and mouse. To check for conflicting devices:
- Open the Device Manager and expand the “Keyboards” and “Mice and other pointing devices” sections.
- Look for any devices that are not connected to your computer. If you find any, disable them.
Step 4: Check the BIOS Settings
The BIOS settings can also affect the functionality of your keyboard and mouse. To check the BIOS settings:
- Restart your computer and enter the BIOS settings by pressing the BIOS key (usually F2, F12, or Del).
- Look for the “USB Configuration” or “Legacy USB Support” option and ensure it is enabled.
- Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings.
Step 5: Check for Firmware Updates
Outdated firmware can also cause issues with your keyboard and mouse. To check for firmware updates:
- Visit the manufacturer’s website and search for firmware updates for your keyboard and mouse.
- Follow the instructions to update the firmware.
Step 6: Check for Windows Updates
Outdated Windows updates can also cause issues with your keyboard and mouse. To check for Windows updates:
- Open the Settings app in Windows by pressing the Windows key + I.
- Click on “Update & Security” and then click on “Windows Update”.
- Click on “Check for updates” to check for any available updates.
Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
If the above steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to perform some advanced troubleshooting steps.
Step 1: Boot in Safe Mode
Booting in Safe Mode can help you isolate the issue. To boot in Safe Mode:
- Restart your computer and press the F8 key repeatedly while booting.
- Select “Safe Mode” from the boot options.
Step 2: Perform a System Restore
If you’ve made any recent changes to your system, performing a System Restore can help you revert to a previous state. To perform a System Restore:
- Open the Control Panel in Windows by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting Control Panel.
- Click on “System and Security” and then click on “System”.
- Click on “System protection” and then click on “System Restore”.
- Follow the instructions to perform a System Restore.
Step 3: Reinstall the Device Drivers
If the device drivers are corrupted, reinstalling them can resolve the issue. To reinstall the device drivers:
- Open the Device Manager and expand the “Keyboards” and “Mice and other pointing devices” sections.
- Right-click on the device and select “Uninstall device”.
- Restart your computer and Windows will automatically reinstall the device drivers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the issue of your keyboard and mouse working in the BIOS but not in Windows can be frustrating, but it’s not impossible to resolve. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you should be able to identify and fix the issue. Remember to always check the device drivers, disable and re-enable the devices, and check for conflicting devices. If the issue persists, you may need to perform some advanced troubleshooting steps, such as booting in Safe Mode or performing a System Restore.
What are the common causes of keyboard and mouse not working in Windows but working in BIOS?
The common causes of keyboard and mouse not working in Windows but working in BIOS can be attributed to several factors. One of the primary reasons is a malfunctioning or outdated driver. Drivers play a crucial role in facilitating communication between the operating system and hardware devices. If the drivers are outdated or corrupted, it can lead to compatibility issues, resulting in the keyboard and mouse not working in Windows.
Another possible cause is a conflict with other hardware devices or a malfunctioning USB port. In some cases, the keyboard and mouse may not be receiving sufficient power from the USB port, leading to connectivity issues. Additionally, a faulty or damaged keyboard or mouse can also cause problems. It is essential to troubleshoot and identify the root cause of the issue to resolve the problem effectively.
How do I troubleshoot the keyboard and mouse not working in Windows?
To troubleshoot the keyboard and mouse not working in Windows, start by checking the physical connections. Ensure that the keyboard and mouse are properly connected to the correct USB ports. Try using a different USB port or a different keyboard and mouse to isolate the issue. If the problem persists, restart your computer in safe mode and check if the keyboard and mouse work. If they do, it may indicate a software conflict.
If the issue is not resolved, try updating the drivers for the keyboard and mouse. You can do this by going to the Device Manager, finding the keyboard and mouse devices, and updating the drivers. Additionally, check for any BIOS updates and install the latest version. If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be necessary to perform a system restore or seek further assistance from a technical support specialist.
What is the role of drivers in resolving the keyboard and mouse not working in Windows?
Drivers play a crucial role in resolving the keyboard and mouse not working in Windows. Drivers act as a bridge between the operating system and hardware devices, facilitating communication and enabling the devices to function correctly. Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause compatibility issues, leading to the keyboard and mouse not working in Windows. Updating the drivers to the latest version can often resolve the issue.
To update the drivers, go to the Device Manager, find the keyboard and mouse devices, and right-click on them to select the “Update driver” option. Follow the prompts to search for and install the latest drivers. Alternatively, you can visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest drivers. Ensure that you download the correct drivers for your specific keyboard and mouse models to avoid any compatibility issues.
Can a conflict with other hardware devices cause the keyboard and mouse not to work in Windows?
Yes, a conflict with other hardware devices can cause the keyboard and mouse not to work in Windows. When multiple devices are connected to the computer, they may compete for resources, leading to conflicts. For example, if you have a USB hub connected to your computer, it may not provide sufficient power to the keyboard and mouse, causing connectivity issues.
To resolve conflicts with other hardware devices, try disconnecting all other devices except the keyboard and mouse. If the issue is resolved, it may indicate a conflict with another device. You can then reconnect the devices one by one to identify the problematic device. Additionally, try using a different USB port or a powered USB hub to provide sufficient power to the keyboard and mouse.
How do I check for BIOS updates to resolve the keyboard and mouse not working in Windows?
To check for BIOS updates, restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup by pressing the designated key (usually F2, F12, or Del). Once in the BIOS setup, look for the “Update” or “Flash” option and follow the prompts to check for updates. If an update is available, follow the instructions to download and install the latest BIOS version.
After updating the BIOS, restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup again to ensure that the update was successful. Save the changes and exit the BIOS setup. Then, restart your computer and check if the keyboard and mouse work in Windows. If the issue persists, it may be necessary to try other troubleshooting steps.
What are the steps to perform a system restore to resolve the keyboard and mouse not working in Windows?
To perform a system restore, go to the Control Panel and select the “Recovery” option. Click on “Open System Restore” and follow the prompts to select a restore point. Choose a restore point when the keyboard and mouse were working correctly, and follow the instructions to complete the system restore process.
Once the system restore is complete, restart your computer and check if the keyboard and mouse work in Windows. If the issue is resolved, it may indicate that a recent software change or update caused the problem. If the issue persists, it may be necessary to try other troubleshooting steps or seek further assistance from a technical support specialist.
What are the next steps if none of the troubleshooting steps resolve the keyboard and mouse not working in Windows?
If none of the troubleshooting steps resolve the keyboard and mouse not working in Windows, it may be necessary to seek further assistance from a technical support specialist. You can contact the manufacturer’s support team or a professional computer technician for help. They can provide more advanced troubleshooting steps or repair or replace the faulty hardware.
Additionally, you can try reinstalling Windows or performing a clean install to start with a fresh operating system. This should be a last resort, as it will erase all your files and settings. Before attempting a reinstall, ensure that you have backed up all your important files and data to an external drive or cloud storage.